SPEEDTV.com's Tom Jensen is the former managing editor of National Speed Sport News earned the National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year Award in 1997.
Click here for Tom's columns.
Richmond pit road selections
Past races: Daytona | California | Las Vegas | Atlanta | Bristol | Martinsville | Texas | Phoenix | Talladega
Hendrick expects to win
Q: How can the Hendrick cars be so much faster than the rest of the field? are they running traction control devices? — Tony from Jackson, Ky.
A: No, the Hendrick cars aren't running traction control. They simply got serious about the COT before anyone else. They have all-star people at every position, from drivers and crew chiefs to floor sweepers. They have a huge budget, vast resources and the teams work together. There's one more key ingredient - they expect to win every time they roll off the truck.
Biff's blues
Q: When is Greg Biffle going to get a break? It's killing us No. 16 fans! — Andy from Sacramento, Calif.
A: The Biff's got the blues, for sure. He's had a lot of luck - all of it bad.
Hendrick heights/Chevy show
Q: During today's race, one of the announcers said that they are ALWAYS talking about HMS, perhaps it's because they are winning? — Dave from Chattanooga, Tenn. and Q: Just wondering, are you watching the Chevrolet show today? — Ray
A: That's right. But the fans are getting restless seeing the same guys dominate. The COT was supposed to eliminate that, not make it worse.
Competition caution
Q: What is a competition caution?
A: A competition caution is a pre-planned caution period set by NASCAR at a specific lap, usually early in the race, to allow teams to pit for fuel and check tire wear. The teams are told in the driver meetings if and when the competition caution will come.
Scrapping current cars
Q: If they switch to the COT for the 2008 season what will they do with all the old cars they are running now. On average how many unused cars does a car owner have ready to run? — Martin from Sault, Mich.
A: They will scrap the old cars and sell some to ARCA teams. On average, the teams have 15-20 cars per driver.
Changing engines
Mikayla from Oceanside: Why doesn't NASCAR have back up engines for each manufacture so that a driver or a team doesn't have to go home for a blown engine? One time I saw the Bud team change an engine in 30 minutes... so if NASCAR had back up engines people like Jeff Burton won't loose as much because they can still have a chance to make up points.
A: NASCAR used to allow it. Once Junior Johnson's team changed an engine in 11 minutes in a race. But NASCAR decided that once your motor is gone, your day is over.
Testing stays same
Q: Do you think the testing times and days at Lowe's Motor Speedway will be the same even with the cars running in Virginia today? — Carol from Faith, N.C.
A: Here's the revised Lowe's testing schedule: Monday from 2-5:00 p.m.; 6-9:00 p.m.ET; Tuesday from 1-5:00 p.m.; 6-9:00 p.m. ET.
Benson's back
Q: Does Johnny Benson making the show this week encourage the owner for more rides in Cup this season if sponsorship can be ensured? Very happy for Johnny. — Larry from Shelby Township, Mich.
A: Making the show for Benson was a good thing indeed, especially when four other Toyota drivers didn't. Expect him to run five or six Cup races this season.
No bonus points for Saturday night
Q: Just for clarification, does Jeff Gordon keep his 5 bonus points from Saturday's scrubbed start of the race, or does he lose them because the postponed race began Sunday at Lap 0? — Todd from Tucson
A: No, Gordon doesn't get bonus points for Saturday night, but he obviously earned 5 bonus points today and could end the race leading the most laps.
Black flag
Q: Does NASCAR have a policy that they could hold Robby Gordon in the pit or black flag him until the tire rub problem is resolved? — Chris from New Caney, Texas
A: NASCAR can black flag a car whenever it wants to, usually when they feel it presents a safety hazard.
Three-wide racing
Q: When NASCAR goes to a track where all three series run in one weekend, how do all of the haulers fit into the infield and all the cars into the garages? Do they all load up after practice and qualifying and then come back for the race? — Maia from St. Louis
A: NASCAR doesn't race all three series at the same track unless there is adequate space for them, including separate garage facilities for each series. No, they don't load up after practice and come back for the race. Once they get to the track, they stay there.
Law and order
Q: The judge is suppose to make a ruling Monday on the AT&T lawsuit against NASCAR. What are your feelings on the results? — Chris from Auburn, Ala.
A: I would like to see Cingular/AT&T be allowed to stay in the sport because they have done a great job and want to be here. That said, I haven't been in court or read the filing, so it would be inappropriate for me to state an opinion on the legal merits of the case.
Wait and see
Q: I saw Jeff Gordon's interview where he was asked, if the situation presents itself, will he miss a race to see his baby born. I believe he didn't commit to what he'll do, but I'm told he stated that he will see his baby born, even if he has to miss a race. Can you clear this up? — Greg from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
A: Nope, I can't clear it up right now, as Jeff is in his car and I can't ask him now, but I'll try to get a definitive answer in Darlington on Friday.
Fuel and who'll benefit most
Q: Will they be able to fuel up since they already ran 12 laps or start with what they have? Also, who will it benefit since it will be during the day, and who will it hurt? — Tom from Cincinnati, Ohio
A: It's my understanding that they will start with the fuel they have. Who does change always benefit in NASCAR? The best teams with the most resources to throw at problems. So I think this will help those at the front of the field.
Do-over
Q: Why do they start double file after a rain delay restart? The green is shown, and no one is a lap down. Shouldn't it be a single-file restart when they go back to green? — Steve from Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia, Canada
A: It's an entirely new race, as NASCAR will be restarting it from the beginning. Last night's laps don't count.
Starting from scratch
Q: Why is NASCAR starting the race from lap one when they already ran laps under caution? — Stephen from Fredericton Junction, NB, Canada
A: There were no laps run under green without the yellow flag last night, so NASCAR doesn't consider it a race. That's why they are restarting it.
NASCAR and Nebraska
Q: I am originally from Nebraska and found it quite interesting when Mike Helton spoke about the University of NE helping with the car of tomorrow testing during the rain delay coverage of the Richmond race. I know that the University of NE developed the safer walls that are now at most if not all tracks. What is the relationship between NASCAR and the University of NE? — Tanya from Eden Prairie, Minn.
A: NASCAR has worked hand-in-hand with the University of Nebraska for the last few years, during development of the SAFER barrier and the Car of Tomorrow. NASCAR has done quite a bit of testing at the school and with the school's safety people.
Banned for life
Q: I would like to know how the tracks plan to police the banning of race fans. I agree they should be, but if you put them on a list from ordering tickets, they will just have someone else do it. Let's face it. We can't keep out terrorists so how do we keep out a beer-throwing race fan? — Sid B. from Stanley, N.C.
A: I agree. I think the banning of fans for life is largely a public relations stunt designed to give the impression that the tracks are doing something to curb the problem. On the other hand, if enough people see that these morons are dealt with harshly, maybe it'll make them think twice before doing it again.
Only on FOX
Q: Will FOX Network carry the NASCAR race from Richmond,Va. Sunday? — Harry from Knightstown, Ind.
A: Yes, the race will be on FOX at 1 p.m. ET.
Richmond during the day
Q: When was the last time we ran a day race at Richmond? — Tyler from Ilion, N.Y.
A The last scheduled day race in Richmond was the Pontiac Excitement 400 in 1997, which was won by Rusty Wallace. However in 2002, this same race began on Saturday night, was red-flagged and finished on Sunday afternoon, with Tony Stewart the winner.
On impound lockdown
Q: With the race called due to rain, will the teams get chance to work on the car to change setup for a day run? — Ed from Wilmington, Ohio
A It's an impound race and it's my understanding that the cars will remain impounded.
No turning back
Q: Darrell Waltrip made the statement that, "rain tires can go and they can stop, but they can't turn". Every other form of racing, save for drag racing, races in the rain and they are most often on road courses. How does he figure that rain tires "don't turn"? I'd just like to know. — Leo from Toronto
A I think he meant in the context of a 3,400-pound stock car on a banked, oval track.
Eco-friendly?
Q: Besides switching to unleaded fuel, what things does NASCAR do to be more eco-friendly? — Lisa from Dawson, Ga.
A NASCAR went to unleaded fuel this year and Chevrolet is pushing them to use ethanol, according to published reports this weekend. The truth is, though, auto racing isn't an especially eco-conscious sport and won't be anytime soon.
Gordon makes points
Q: When the race starts under yellow, does the driver on the pole receive 5 bonus points for leading? — Dave from Red Lion, Pa.
A: Yes, the driver on the pole receives five bonus points, provided he leads a lap under yellow.
Heating up
Q: Why would they start the race with a green-yellow? Us fans are looking forward to 400 laps of racing, not track drying. Why not red flag the race till they can go green? — Steve from Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
A: The reason NASCAR does this is to try to get heat into the track and into the tires in the hope the race will start. Tonight, obviously, it didn't work.
Racing in the rain
Q: In Europe they race in the rain they have rain tires. Formula One, Le Mans and rally races are run regardless of weather. My question is, "Why doesn't NASCAR adopt special rain tires to run in the rain"? To me one has to play the field they are given. — Bill from Mountain Home, Ark.
A: Rain tires are fine for road courses, and for a few years, NASCAR brought them to Watkins Glen and Infineon. The tire loads on ovals are way too high to run safely in the rain, however. You have to remember, a Nextel Cup car weighs about three times what a Formula 1 car does.
Going entire distance
Q: At Richmond, should the race be rained out, will the field be frozen and continue tomorrow? Or will the race restart from the pole? — C. Miller from Kannapolis, N.C.
A: Well, the running order is exactly the same as it was at the start of the race, since all the laps were run under yellow. If the race restarts tomorrow, I believe they'll go the entire distance.
Burton won't go to the back
Q: I was watching qualifying, and Jeff Burton was having an engine problem. Do you know if they've changed it or done anything to fix it? — Chris from Auburn, Ala.
A: Welcome to FOX. A part turned up missing and apparently fell into the engine. The crew took the motor partially apart, found what they were looking for and put it back together.
Toyota changes
Q: What does Toyota plan on doing to get Michael Waltrip and Dale Jarrett on the right track for racing? This is awful being a Mikey fan, and he doesn't even qualify except for one race. What is Toyota's next move? — Debbie from Mattoon
A: I spoke with Toyota's Vice President and General Manager Lee White a couple of weeks back, and he said Toyota is upgrading its engine literally every week, and he expects to run slightly different engines for something like 22 races in a row. Toyota's also putting in a lot of technical support. But ultimately, it'll be up to the teams to pick it up.
Backup backup
Q: I've seen a team go to a backup car many times. If the backup got wrecked before the race, could they roll out a teammates backup? If so, could new graphics be applied in time? — Skip from Juneau, Alaska
A: That's exactly what Michael Waltrip's team did at Daytona, when his primary car was seized after it was found with tainted fuel. Waltrip made the race with one of David Reutimann's backup cars. I watched his crew apply the graphics in the pits and it was fascinating to see.
New manufacturers
Q: My friends and I have heard little rumors that Pontiac and Buick may be looking at the possibility of coming back to NASCAR. Any truth to that? — John from Acton, Calif.
A: I've not heard that rumor, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. Pontiac is really refocusing on its performance image, so I could see GM reintroducing it into Nextel Cup before Buick.
Top 10 for Bowyer
Q: Do you feel that Clint Bowyer will be in the top five in tonight's race? — Luke from Hawthorne, N.J.
A: Bowyer obviously would like to repeat his Busch win with a Cup victory, as his teammate, Kevin Harvick did last fall when he won both races. Bowyer doesn't have a top 10 in the last four races, but I think he'll get one tonight, based on how he's run here in the past. I think he'll be in the top 10, not top five.
Seven-post shaker
Q: What is the "Seven Post machine/set-up" that you often mention? — Angela from South China, Maine
A: Great question. A seven-post shaker uses a series of computer-controlled hydraulic plungers and rams to move a race car's chassis in a way that simulates actual on-track race loads on the chassis. Teams place their cars on the device, where it sits on four wheel actuators that simulate a input on the tires and suspension, while three other actuators simulate aerodynamic downforce and suspension loads produced on a banked oval. This tool allows teams to simulate race stresses, which in turn lets them optimize setups. It's as important to a chassis as a wind tunnel is to a body. Automakers use it to tweak suspensions on production cars, too.
Rookies could surprise
Q: There may be factors other than skill contributing to this, but it seems that this year's rookie crop is not anywhere near the level of the past two or three years. Nobody seems to be making a real mark this year. Is it because this year is more typical than the past few years? Have we been spoiled by the extraordinary talent pool that has produced such outstanding recent rookies? — Gordy from East Point, Ky.
A: Thanks for the question. I think we'll be better able to answer it at season's end. I believe Juan Pablo Montoya will win races at the Nextel Cup level, and David Reutimann has far outshone his teammates at Michael Waltrip Racing. So, give the young'uns a bit more time; they might surprise you.
NASCAR in China?
Q: Would NASCAR ever consider taking a race out of America? Would they consider racing in England? There are a few tracks in the country that would be able to hold a race, but would they ever consider it? — Sarah from Huntingdon, England
A: Thanks for the question. NASCAR's Busch Series races in Mexico now and later this year will race in Montreal. In the mid-1990s, NASCAR also ran some exhibition races in Japan after the season ended. NASCAR is talking about establish new series in Europe and China now — Brian France was in China a couple of weeks ago with a delegation of NASCAR officials. That said, I do not see a Nextel Cup race outside the U.S. anytime soon.
Balancing act
Q: I was watching Nextel Cup qualifying on SPEED and heard them talk about some flaws of the Car of Tomorrow. The one flaw that caught my ear was about the top heaviness of the car, that it keeps wanting to roll over. How would a team fix that and other problems? — Jeremy from Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
A: Thanks for the question. The Car of Tomorrow has different side-to-side weight balance than the old car did. To optimize handling, though, the crews have basically the same tools they always did: They can adjust wedge, stagger, tire pressure, the track bar, etc. Most of the teams are still trying to come to grips with the specific issues raised by the COT. I suspect that as the season wears on, they'll get a handle on it.
Owners making their points
Q: Can you explain how owner points are awarded to cars that attempt, yet fail, to qualify? — Mike from Cincinnati, Ohio
A: Welcome to FOX. Owner points are calculated the same as driver points, with the exception that owners whose entries do not qualify for the race are awarded owner points according to qualifying results. These are awarded by deducting three points per position until it reaches a minimum of one point (44th = 31, 45th = 28, 46th = 25, etc.). Drivers that do not qualify receive no driver points. NASCAR adopted this system about five or six years ago, when fields were really thin - unlike now - because they wanted to give part-time teams some incentive to show up at races.
Menard slow but in the show
Q: Why is Paul Menard listed on the starting grid 43rd when his qualifying speed was 33rd? — Jerimy from Hueytown, Ala.
A: Good question. The first 42 positions in the field are reserved for the top 35 in owner points and the seven fasest go-or-go-home cars. 43rd is reserved for the past champion. Because there was no past-champion's provisional used in this race, 43rd went to the slowest go-or-go-home car, which was Menard.
No relation to real world
Q: Are engines used in NASCAR in any form related to the Ford, Chevy, etc. production engines? — W. from Melbourne, Fla.
A: Thanks for joining us. NASCAR Nextel Cup engines are carbureted, pushrod V-8s displacing 358 cubic inches. While all of the manufacturers in the Cup Series sell V-8s in production cars or trucks, they have almost no relation whatsover to the racing engines.
Stay in Chevy, maybe not at DEI
Q: I think that Dale Earnhardt would turn over in his grave if the company he built switches to Ford. Yeah, I know Dale drove Fords a couple of years back in the early '80's but, his opinion of those Ford cars he drove for Bud Moore was not very good at all. He had a lot of DNF's because of engine failures. But if you drove for Bud Moore, you knew it would be in a Ford no matter what. So what could he do? I hope Dale Jr. does leave DEI for a better team, and it won't matter what DEI runs then. — D.H. from Appomattox, Va.
A: We'll see what happens. Earnhard, Jr. said Friday that the team would still be running Chevys next year. But whether or not he's with 'em, well, that remains to be seen.
Is Junior feeling Blue (Oval)?
Q: Do you feel Dale Earnhardt Inc. switching to Fords would persuade Dale Jr. to really look hard at switching teams? And do you really think Chevy would let Dale Jr. go? — Jeremy from Dillsboro, Ind.
A: Welcome to FOX. The bottom line for Junior is that he's only won two Cup races since the start of the 2005 season 81 races ago, and he wants that to change ASAP. He has a burning desire to win and run up front, week after week. And because it isn't happening now, Junior is exhausting every option
- including changing teams and/or manufacturers - to get back in Victory Lane on a regular basis.
Qualifying more than one car
Q: Tom, is it possible for one driver to qualify three different Cup cars and have two other drivers race them on race day? An example would be having David Reuitmann qualify the No. 00, No. 44 and No. 55 cars, and on race day, have Dale Jarrett in the No. 44 and Michael Waltrip in the No. 55? — Joe from Colonia, N.J.
A: Welcome to FOX. I don't know that there is a specific rule that precludes anyone from qualifying more than one car, but I can tell you NASCAR would never permit the scenario you are describing. And even if NASCAR did allow it - and they wouldn't - no team would do it, either. Every car is set up for the specific feel of each driver and every driver has likes and dislikes about handling. So, no, there is no chance of what you're describing happening.
Bye weeks for drivers
Q: Since you hear everyone talk about how grueling the schedule is, why couldn't you develop a system where each driver is required xx amount of races to sit out and arrange them such that they wouldn't be stacked (like NFL with the "off" week)? This would also alleviate some of the concerns pertaining to qualifying for some teams with big sponsorships. Everyone could have a better chance to get a piece of the pie. — Paul from Amarillo, Texas
A: Thanks for the question. That's an interesting theory. But it comes with problems. If you're a track operator, how are you going to feel if in your race, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon aren't in the field? If you eliminate xx amount of races, sponsors aren't going to pay as much to fund the teams. And how do you decide which races the drivers miss? Junior might be thrilled to skip Las Vegas or Fontana, but there's no way he wants to miss Talladega. How do you tell a certain number of drivers that they can't race in the Daytona 500?
Lights, camber, action
Q: I have been wondering if how does NASCAR pick the tracks that are going to host a night time race? How do they decide how many night races they are going to have? Also how did they go about picking the tracks that the COT Car would be racing at? I like the COT Car so far, because they seem to have better racing with them. I will be glad when they start driving them full time so I will know how to pick my drivers in my Fantasy Racing. To me, some teams have the car working great so you know who to pick, and others are still in the tweaking mode. — Patti from Elgin, Texas
A: The first essential is that a track needs to have lights, which not all of them do. NASCAR works with the tracks to try and figure out what will put on the best show, and what will put the most butts in the seats.
As for the COT, NASCAR picked short tracks and road courses for this year, because they are less aero-sensitive relative to the 1.5- and 2-mile tracks.
The second Talladega race was added to the schedule in preparation of 2008, when all the plate races will be run with the COT.
Random drug testing
Q: Do the NASCAR drivers have to go thru any drug/alcohol testing prior to each race? You never hear about this, but we all have seen them inspect the cars. — Carol from Albuquerque, N.M.
A: NASCAR does not test every driver prior to each race. It does random, secret testing and doesn't release results unless someone is caught breaking the rules.
Increase the field
Q: With so many cars trying to get in the field and the amount of money they spend to do it, why not expand field on the bigger tracks? It would give more exposure to sponsors also. — Lee from Orlando, Fla.
A: You make a great point, and one I heartily agree with. You couldn't do it at every track, but certainly, at most tracks 1.5 miles and up, 45 or 46 could be easily accommodated.
Provisionals for sale?
Q: Is it possible for someone like Bill Elliott to sell Dale Jarrett his past champions' provisional like the No. 4 and No. 09 cars swapping owners points? — Joe
A: Thanks for the question. No, the drivers can't sell or exchange past-champion's provisionals.
Better shops around
Q: I hate to be negative, but how does Michael Waltrip Racing ever hope to improve when all they do is hire people who have been let go from non-winning teams. Should they not be hiring away people who have winning experience? #&151 Martin from Atlanta, Ga.
A: You aren't being negative at all. It's called dealing with reality. But here's the deal: People who work for the top teams aren't going to leave them if they're happy where they are. MWR may — or may not — pay more than Hendrick, Roush, Gibbs, RCR, etc., but employees at those teams know they are going to win races and have a legitimate shot at a title. Few talented people want to leave a championship-caliber operation for a start-up, even a well-funded one.
Replacement for Gordon?
Q: Who will drive for Jeff Gordon if his baby is born on a weekend? Is there a possiblity that he will drive himself, or will they have a replacement? — Jason from Madison, S.D.
A: Gordon will be in the car himself. You can count on it. All the teams have jets now that can get drivers all over the country in a manner of hours, so Gordon will never be too far away from his wife and child.
Ending under caution
Q: Do you think NASCAR will finally adopt a policy where a race will NEVER end under a caution? I was at Talladega (and no...I didn't throw any beer cans) and I was very disappointed in the outcome of the race. — Jason from Spring, Texas
A: Welcome to FOX. No, I don't think NASCAR will ever adopt a policy where a race will never end under caution, and, frankly, I don't think they should. Too often, last-lap shootouts result in massive pile-ups. I watched an ARCA race last year that had 22 laps of extra racing trying to get a green-white-checker finish, and it was painful to watch. By the way, congrats on NOT throwing beer cans.
Inconsistent cautions?
Q: February 2007, Daytona, and Mark Martin is leading on the last lap. The wreck happens behind the leaders, Harvick passes Martin, no caution thrown, and the No. 29 wins. Jump forward to April 2007 at Talladega. Last lap, Gordon leads, wreck happens behind the leaders, and the caution flies faster than you can blink! I don't doubt Jeff Gordon would have won, but what in the heck is the difference in why NASCAR does or doesn't wave a caution? It just
A: Another great comment. I have maintained all along, that in the interest of a great finish, NASCAR totally blew the call at the end of Daytona. And the reason it's so important to NOT blow it is for the reasons you outline: Many fans think NASCAR makes up the rules as it goes, or, worse yet, plays favorites with drivers and/or teams. Having consistent policies would eliminate a lot of that.
More on DEI and Yates
I had a few questions about Dale Earnhardt Inc. possibly buying or merging with Robert Yates Racing... — Tom from Green, Ohio
Tom Jensen: Tom, those are all excellent questions, and I spent a lot of time with Doug Yates on Sunday morning at Talladega, and I asked him those very same questions.
Q: Can Doug Yates work his magic with a Chevy engine? Are the engines that radically different?
A: He can work magic with a Chevrolet engine although I really don't think Doug Yates is going to be working on Chevys. I think he's still going to be working on Fords. But the point is that man is good enough and smart enough that he could make a lawnmower engine produce an awful lot of horsepower.
Q: Why would DEI want to switch to Ford when Chevy has been so dominant this year?
A: The reason that DEI is looking at other manufacturers — according to two DEI executives I talked to in the garage at Talladega on Sunday — is they're looking for two things: money and technical support. They want more of each from the manufacturer that they align themselves with, and they feel like maybe — if they go with someone else, even though Chevy has been very dominant — they might get the boost they need.
Q: What would all of this mean to Roush and the others to whom Yates sells engines?
A: I talked with Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing, at Talladega, and Roush-Yates engines is a business that they work together. They sell engines, and he wants to keep selling them so I think that's going to stay the same.
Group go-or-go-homers
Q: Tom, this qualifying idea from Michael Waltrip is very good. Put all of the guys outside of the top 35 together for qualifying so track temperature won't be an advantage or disadvantage for go-or-go-home teams. Why doesn't NASCAR do it immediately? — Ed from Columbia, S.C.
A: Ed, NASCAR is looking at this, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them adopt this quickly. But you've got to remember one thing. I talked with NASCAR president Mike Helton a couple of years ago at Richmond, and he said when you've got 50 cars and 43 slots, no matter what, seven guys are going to go home. And those seven guys are all going to come up wiith a way that will get them in the field and somebody else not in the field. And those seven guys are always going to be unhappy. They might tweak it a little bit, but the big problem really is you've got too many good cars trying to make the field so there's a lot of good cars going home every week this year.
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